Dedication continues to be her hallmark

-Library volunteer has given away more than 10,000 hours of time over span of nearly 27 years.

-Library volunteer has given away more than 10,000 hours of time over span of nearly 27 years.

July 24, 2008|JENNIFER OCHSTEIN Tribune Correspondent

SOUTH BEND Like everyone's, Nancy Gentry's time is invaluable. But hers is especially valuable to the St. Joseph County Public Library. Especially when you consider that she gives her time away for free. Gentry has given away more than 10,000 hours volunteering at the Western and LaSalle branches for the St. Joseph County Public Library, said David Hanna, publicity services manager for the library. Gentry has been volunteering for nearly 27 years, and was recently surprised with a celebration in her honor for her service at the LaSalle Branch. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday, like clockwork, Gentry gives her time in any way librarians need her: working with collections development, assisting with story hour, helping with setup of the tax assistance program and much more, said branch manager Lori Caskey Sigety. "She does basically whatever we need for her to do," Caskey Sigety said. All told, if Gentry had been paid for her work, she probably would have amassed about $100,000 by now, according to Hanna. But Gentry's not counting. She said she began volunteering because she had four teenagers on the go and a husband who was a recruiter for the Navy. "I just wanted something for me," said Gentry, who lives in South Bend. "And I've been here ever since." Melvin Holmes, a member of the board of trustees for the St. Joseph County Public Library, told Gentry she's to be commended. "If you were to convert those 10,000 hours into dollars, the impact has extended the goal of the St. Joseph County Public Library," said Holmes. Imogene Gemberling, who coordinates the library's volunteers, said in the 18 years she's worked for the library, no one comes close to the amount of volunteer hours Gentry has put in. "She's a super volunteer," Gemberling said. "She's dedicated and willing to do whatever is asked of her. She's always on time and works hard -- all the things that make working with her such a joy." And all of her work is behind the scenes, Gemberling said. Often, Gentry's work receives little fanfare, but her dedication has become her hallmark. "I just love it," said Gentry. "I like meeting new people and the people I work with. It's hard to say what all I do, but I try to do whatever anyone asks me to do." And while she loves the work, Gentry said she also finds it fulfilling, especially dealing with the people she meets every time she volunteers. It's also fulfilling because she gives her time and herself. "Idle time is wasted time," she said. "Overall, to me, it's just enjoyable, and I want to continue as long as I can." While Caskey Sigety said the library has many wonderful volunteers, Gentry distinguishes herself by her dedication. "She's been doing it so long, so faithfully," Caskey Sigety said. "She's so loyal to the library, and so many people know and like her. She's just lovely."